We must add a touch of magic

LIVERPOOL boss Gerard Houllier faced up to the harsh reality of his side's UEFA Cup shortcomings yesterday, as he admitted he will intensify his search for more creativity.

After seeing his European ambitions scuppered by nothing more than an efficient containment policy from Scottish champions Celtic, Houllier was forced to concede there could be thin times ahead unless he addresses a lack of width in Liverpool's attacking play.

That inadequacy has blighted his ambition of building a team capable of eclipsing Europe's finest, and even attracted stinging criticism from across the Continent during a ninemonth spell that yielded five trophies the year before last.

Finally, after being bundled out of the UEFA Cup with a semi-final berth beckoning alongside the modest threat of Boavista, Porto and Lazio, he has resolved to find a solution.

Houllier's analysis of the failing that cost Liverpool so dear at Anfield on Thursday brings his transfer plans back into focus and will lead to a concerted attempt to add flair to his squad this summer, funds permitting.

Hakan Yakin, the scourge of Liverpool's bid to progress from the Champions' League first phase earlier this season, could be the first recruit after Houllier learned of a contract clause enabling the Basle playmaker to leave for around Pounds 750,000 at the season's end.

Liverpool were initially unconvinced that, for all the damage he inflicted on their defence in the group decider in Switzerland, he could influence games against top Premiership opposition on a regular basis.

After monitoring his form in the most recent group games, though, they are beginning to come round to the view that he might prove a useful addition after all, particularly at such a knockdown price.

If Houllier needed extra incentive for redoubling his efforts to make it a hat-trick of Champions League campaigns next season, the realisation that it could provide the necessary finance for another pursuit of Damien Duff should suffice.

Old Trafford appears a likelier destination than Anfield, should Pounds 15millionrated Duff be allowed to leave Blackburn, but there can still be no underestimating the significance of a Champions League place in Houllier's plans.

Liverpool have spent much of the last few months assessing their finances and gauging how much can be released to meet Houllier's transfer requirements.

Beating Manchester United in the Worthington Cup Final helped, guaranteeing as it did UEFA Cup qualification at least.

Making it to the Champions League would be like landing the jackpot though.

Houllier is adamant that fourth place remains well within his side's compass, and has not abandoned hope of overhauling Newcastle in third spot.

He was upbeat in his observations of a 3-1 aggregate defeat by Celtic but admitted, ahead of tomorrow's Anfield meeting with Leeds and their new temporary manager Peter Reid, that a familiar problem had to be put right.

'I know we have been criticised before over our style of play,' he said, referring to bitter condemnation of a 'one-dimensional' approach from the likes of Roma boss Fabio Capello and Barcelona pair Patrick Kluivert and Frank de Boer.

'I insist there were a lot of positive things to come out of the Celtic game, but I must say there are times when I have to accept we could do better in terms of creativity and imagination.

'El Hadji Diouf has been providing that for us, and there is no doubt we missed him on Thursday, particularly as Celtic played in a style that was functional and effective. When you are up against that, you need someone who can go past people and open things up.

'We are fine, though. I told the players it was important to put things in perspective.

There is great disappointment at going out, but there was plenty about our performance to encourage us.

'We imposed ourselves on the physical side and showed plenty of effort and commitment. It is just that, at this level, if you do not take your chances, you are punished.

' But we all know the importance of pressing ahead now and making sure of a Champions League place. Players want to be involved against Europe's best, and the financial rewards mean so much.

'Everyone seems to have an opinion on whether we can beat Chelsea for fourth place, but I believe Newcastle can be caught. They still have to play Arsenal, Manchester United and Everton, so the race is on to finish third.

That is our aim, and we will give it everything.' j.edwards@dailymail.co.uk